Here at Rhino Piling, we know how important a stable and high-quality foundation is to the longevity of a building, however, many property owners aren’t aware of how necessary they are. In fact, there are a variety of different things that can cause damage to the foundation of a property that can be easily prevented with routine maintenance and consulting with a licenced foundational expert. Read on as we explain the danger that trees can inflict on your foundations…
In order to understand how trees can damage your property foundations, it is important to understand what subsidence is. After all, both of these components work hand in hand with one another. Subsidence is ‘the gradual sinking or downwards settling of a property’ in response to changes in the soil that it is built upon, and it can be influenced by low-quality or insufficient foundations.
The roots of a tree can extend outwards by 5 metres and have a depth of 2 metres. Their sole purpose is to absorb moisture from the soil in order to retrieve nutrients for their growth and this can present issues when they are located within close proximity to the structure of a property. A foundation should be built in order to transfer the weight of a building to the stronger and more robust soil deep within the earth, however, one that is built upon the weaker surface soil can be affected by moisture changes caused by tree roots. This is because the roots will suck up all the moisture from the soil, causing it to shrink and displace and leave the foundations lacking in the support they require.
Luckily, there are a variety of different ways that property owners can prevent trees and their roots from wreaking havoc. For instance, some problematic trees can be dug up and moved to a more appropriate location where their roots are less likely to cause soil shrinkage, and root barriers can be put into place in order to prevent them from growing nearby. These are made from corrosion resistant materials and essentially provide an extra barrier of protection around your foundation.
Although they may look innocent, the roots of a tree have a lot of strength that can actually cut through the foundation of your property and cause it to collapse. As a result, it is important that you work closely with a qualified member of the Rhino Piling team who can assess the needs of your property and ensure that trees will not pose a threat. To find out more information, get in contact with the best piling Manchester has to offer today!
